Three Quarter Size Bed Sheet Sets

POSTED: July 15, 2009 10:41 am America/Chicago

A size of mattress that many folks still ask for is the 3/4, 3-4 size or Three Quarter Size. An almost exact division between a standard twin and a standard full size, the dimensions for the three quarter size mattress are forty eight inches by seventy five inches. A standard twin size mattress is thirty nine inches by seventy five inches. In contrast, a full size mattress measures fifty four inches by seventy five inches.

Most of us are familiar with the standard sizes of today’s mattresses. Whether we own a twin size, full size, queen size or king size bed, we can thank a movement to standardize bedding sizes. Even with standard sizes, there are a number descriptions used to define the size of various bedding pieces. Specialty bedding needed for such uses as hospital beds and infant cribs are largely considered a niche market. In addition to what we knew as twin, full, queen and king are broken down into several specialty sizes.

Another mattress size that starts with a forty eight inch width is referred to as an Antique Size. The difference between an antique size and a 3-4 size is the length. An antique size is shorter than a 3-4 size at seventy two inches. As the term antique implies, mattresses using a forty eight inch width reflects much older size standards than the ones in use today. Many folks still have older bed frames that use the forty eight inch width. Folks wishing to keep what might be an heirloom frame help keep the three quarter size mattress in demand.

Residential Bedding Sizes

It may be helpful to look at mattress and bedding sizes along with the names used to describe them.

Historically speaking, buying a mattress was not always as easy. Prior to the early Twentieth Century, mattress manufacturing was more of a hit or miss proposition. Sizes for mattresses varied widely and in the absence of regulatory standards, consumers had little reliable information to go on. Manufacturers would make different sized mattresses and bed frames without much regard for standardization.

Eventually, some producers began to make mattresses that were of a standard size. These same producers were concerned about the state of the mattress market. Prior to the collaboration between the associations and the federal government, consumers had no way of knowing what was in the mattresses they were buying. These efforts lead to the formation of the National Association of Mattress Manufacturers in 1915. After several years, the association was renamed as the National Association of Bedding Manufacturers.

Reputable manufacturers saw that the future of their business would suffer if certain standards and codes were not adopted. Informing mattress buyers of what the bedding contained was a big first step. Equally as important to manufacturers was the adoption of size standards. Prior the formation of the trade associations, the design, content and size of mattresses and bedding was left to individual producers. Standardizing the size of mattresses and foundations would be a benefit to both manufacturers and consumers.

Be Careful When You Buy an Antique Bed, It May Need A Three Quarter Size Mattress and Sheet Set!

There is a lively market in antique furniture. Antique bedsteads, antique dressers and mirrors, antique mattresses? Heck no, you may buy the solid wood antique headboard and foot board but that mattress that has been sitting in the attic or garage for years stinks and the bugs love it. So you bring your great deal home and shop for a new mattress. If I had $10 for every time I tried to deliver a full size mattress that would not fit in an antique bed I would have some money. If you are going to buy an antique headboard set, you need to figure out what size mattress it takes.

In general, an antique bed takes a special size mattress. This has come about because way back when, every local shop that built mattresses pretty much did their own thing. Mattresses were custom made to fit the wood bed, not vice versa. Some wood beds were built to fit into the room they were going into. Almost all beds were built short because people were short back then.

In general, an antique bed was the size between a twin size and a full or double size. A twin size is 39 inches x 75 inches and a double for full is 54 inches x 75 inches. Anything in between these sizes has developed the name three quarters bed, 3/4 bed or Three Quarter bed. The size of this bed can vary but conventional wisdom has tagged this bed as 48 inches x 75 inches. An additional set size has been called the Antique at 48 inches x 72 inches. Many mattress stores do not stock the three quarter size mattress nor do they stock the antique size mattress. We generally stock our base models 3/4 GOOD Mattress. and Antique Size GOOD Mattress. However, there are different levels qualities that can also be special ordered. Sizes that fall between these standard sizes can often be custom built for more money.

The point of this article is beware of that great deal on an antique solid wood bed as the mattress might be hard to find or more costly than a standard mattress.